Incumbent says he tries to be 'centered' and 'compassionate'

Seat 8 of the Monroe County Circuit Court was established at the beginning of 2006. As a civil court, it presides mainly over cases of small claims, domestic relations and protective orders. \nThe seat is held by Republican Judge Jeffrey A. Chalfant, who was appointed to this position at its inception by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Teresa Harper seeks to take over the seat for the next term and become the first judge elected to the position.\nThe main reason college students come through Chalfant's courtroom is because of landlord negotiations. Chalfant said the cases are usually straightforward, either involving disputed damage charges or figuring out how to handle a tenant who unexpectedly left. \nHis advice is simple: "If you don't maintain your place, you're going to pay to put it back to the condition it was when you moved in."\nAs for juvenile criminals, Chalfant said he approves building a juvenile center in Monroe County, but is realistic about its implementation.\nHe said some children will still need specialized help, requiring a transfer to another county. Chalfant also said the county simply cannot afford the facility without a new source of funding.\nFinances carry over to the proposed idea of night court as well. While he is willing to alter his schedule, he said many monetary aspects have gone unmentioned. \nCourt reporters, security guards and bailiffs would all require additional salaries. Chalfant also noted that defendants might have to pay an extra charge associated with night court in the form of providing babysitting for their children.\nHaving already served as a judge, Chalfant said he feels one of the most important things is "to be centered and be compassionate about everyone." But this approach has a caveat. \n"At the same time, you have to be able to put someone in jail if they need to be," he said. \nChalfant is also interested in extending judgments beyond the courtroom. He started scheduling compliance hearings after divorce cases to ensure those who he felt needed counseling received it. For divorce and small claims cases, he tries to use mediation whenever possible.\n"It's better for people to come to an agreement than for me to decide for them," he said.\nChalfant is the youngest Monroe County judicial candidate this election but said the experience he has is more than enough to qualify him for the job. He said he brings a unique perspective to the bench, having served Monroe County on both the defensive and prosecuting sides in criminal and civil cases. \n"It's important to know how people are feeling, from the prosecutor to the defense attorney to the defendant," Chalfant said. "It's my hope I can do something that will help these people get through what is a very difficult time"